. >> and by the bill and melinda gates foundation. dedicated to the idea that all people deserve the chance to live a healthy productive life. and with the ongoing support of these institutions and foundations. and... this program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting. and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. >> lehrer: today's reported rise in poverty underscored the depths of the recession as new data gave conflicting signals about what lies ahead. at the same time, congress labored on new ways of lifting the country out of recession. for millions of small businesses, from diners to hardware stores, a senate vote today could bring new access to credit to get them hiring again. senate democrats broke through a republican filibuster, to approve $30 billion for community banks. >> the motion is agreed to. >> lehrer: supporters said it could be leveraged into $300 billion in loans. the bill goes now to the house. but republicans, like house minority leader john boehner, said the w